SUMUL set to start its diary operations in Goa

Gujarat-based Surat District Co-operative Milk Producers' Union today announced its ambitious plans for the state of Goa,where it has received licence to provide dairy services to farmers.PTI | February 02, 2016, 16:31 IST

Gujarat-based Surat District Co-operative Milk Producers' Union today announced its ambitious plans for the state of Goa,where it has received licence to provide dairy services to farmers.PANAJI:Gujarat-based Surat District Co-operative Milk Producers' Union (SUMUL) today announced its ambitious plans for the state of Goa, where it has received licence to provide dairy services to farmers including veterinary treatment to animals at reasonable cost.

"The farmers will be encouraged to form self-help groups who will be provided with all the facilities by the dairy," SUMUL's Managing Director Jayesh Desai told reporters today.

The self-help groups will collect milk from member farmers. SUMUL will provide them facilities like fat testing machine, computer, bulk chilling unit, compressor and generator, all free of cost, he said.

"The ownership of these equipments will be with SUMUL," Desai said.

Goa government recently allowed entry of SUMUL in the state making it the second dairy after Goa Milk Producers Union commonly known as Goa Dairy.

SUMUL would be providing veterinary treatment to animals at a reasonable cost, Desai said.

"Once in a week our veterinary doctor will visit the villages for treatment of animals. We will charge Rs 40 per animal while medicines would be provided free of cost. The charges of doctor's visit would be deducted from the proceeds of milk and no cash will have to be given to the doctor," he said.

The SUMUL will also provide balance cattle feed for the animals at reasonable rates, and the money would be deducted from the proceeds of the milk purchased from the farmer.

Desai said the dairy had already started marketing its milk under the brand name "AMUL" in Goa from September 2013 onwards.

"At the time of launching (marketing service in Goa), we had given commitment to the state government that we would procure milk from Goa only," he said.

"SUMUL would like to give good animal husbandry practices, transparent milk procurement system, quality milk production, quality cattle feed at reasonable price. As a result of this, we can improve the socio-economic condition of the farmers," he added.